PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge and other politicians wish Sonia Gandhi on her 78th birthday

Representational Image

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi received birthday greetings as she turned 78 on Monday, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saluting her as a "true champion" of marginalised people's rights.

He stated that Gandhi's contribution to public life had inspired millions.

Sonia Gandhi, the longest-serving Congress president, has taken a break from active politics in recent years due to health issues, with her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holding important roles in the party. She remains a Rajya Sabha member and the Congress Parliamentary Party's chairperson, PTI reported.

In a post on X, the Congress president extended his warm greetings to Sonia Gandhi on behalf of the party on her birthday.

"A true champion of the rights of the marginalised, embodying utmost grace, dignity, and courage amidst adversity, her contribution to public life has inspired millions," Kharge said.

"I wish her a long and healthy life," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also extended his greetings to Sonia Gandhi, wishing her "long life."

Former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav on Monday extended birthday greetings to the Rajya Sabha MP.

"Heartiest congratulations to Congress' Parliamentary Party chief and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi on her birthday today and best wishes for her good health and long life. Heartiest congratulations to her family members and followers on this day too," Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati posted on X in Hindi.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also wished Gandhi with a post on X saying, "Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Sonia Gandhi on her birthday."

Congress general secretary in charge organisation K C Venugopal, also greeted Gandhi and hailed her as "an iconic leader of our times.".

"Her unparalleled contribution to India, in the face of the immense sacrifices she made, is an inspiration for millions across the world. Her guidance, during the years of good governance under PM Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, played a pivotal part in India's post-independence journey towards growth," Venugopal said in a post on X.

"Despite the continuous attacks she faces, she has shown great wisdom and commitment in her public service. Her support and vision continue to be great sources of strength for our party," he said.

The Congress, on its official X handle, applauded Gandhi's contribution and said she is a leader whose commitment and belief in the founding principles of India and the party are an inspiration.

"Championing women's empowerment, social justice, and inclusive growth, her vision led to the upliftment of millions of marginalized people and the strengthening of India's welfare state," the Congress said.
As Congress's president and chairperson of the UPA, she has played a pivotal role in pathbreaking reforms, it said.

From MGNREGA and the Right to Food to the Right to Education and the Right to Information - these landmark legislations have reshaped the political, social, and economic landscape of India, the party stated.
"Through personal sacrifice and deep-rooted commitment to India's democratic values, she has exemplified selflessness, grace, and dignity in public life. Here's wishing the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, Sonia Gandhi ji, a very happy birthday!" the party said.

"May she be blessed with good health, happiness, and more strength as she continues to guide and inspire generations through her vision," the party said.

Several Congress leaders extended birthday greetings to Gandhi and praised her contribution in public life.

Posters were put up outside the All India Congress headquarters in New Delhi on Monday to wish parliamentary party leader Sonia Gandhi a happy 78th birthday.

The politician became a main member of Congress in 1997. In response to widespread demands from the Congress Party, she entered politics, campaigned extensively for the party, and was elected president, ANI reported.

She also served as chairperson of the National Advisory Council, a body that provided the government with periodic recommendations on issues of socioeconomic importance.

(With inputs from PTI and ANI)